GAAMHA Xmas Party - Dec 29

SME musicians performed for over 100 enthusiastic clients at the Gardner Athol Area Mental Health Association to kick off the holiday party on Dec 29. Performers included Jim Hatch and Pete Cormier on guitars who provided some old favorites like Brown-eyed Girl, the Beatles and some Xmas favorites. Bryn Digney and her fiddle got the audience really going with a variety of Scottish and Irish reels.

In the top photo from left to right is Bryn, Ken, a client helping out on tambourine and Pete.
In the bottom photo from left to write Alan a client stands next to Sybil Arguijo from GAAMHA and Pete singing Jingle Bell Rock.

Step Up to Music Awards - Dec 20

The first two students of the Step Up to Music program received their acoustic guitars at the Glenhaven Xmas party on Dec 20 . The recipients completed the program after working hard during the 8 weeks of music lessons. Guitar teacher Jodee Frawlee reported, "These girls put alot of effort into learning how to play the guitar. I really enjoyed working with them and wish them the best of luck." The girls also received gig bags to carry their guitars, staps and picks to go with their new acoustic guitars.

The guitars were provided to SME at a significant discount thanks to Al at Gordon Music, Twin City Mall, Leominster, MA.

Nesting on Main - Dec 7

On Thursday evening, John Weeks and Pete performed some xmas carols for the shoppers of Nesting On Main, a shop owned by our friends Wendi (front), Melissa and Roxanne (back row). Their shop, which sells a variety of eclectic unique pieces is located in beautiful downtown Concord.

John performed his suite of original songs, planned for an upcoming CD. Wendi, Melissa and Roxanne got everyone going with a sing-a-long of Frosty The Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. But the highlight of the evening was the Beatles tune, Twist and Shout which got all the customers twisting and shouting. A wonderful night of shopping and songs with our friends from Concord.

Dance Showcase II - Dec 3

The Sterling Dance Showcase II attached a large audience at the First Church in Sterling on Dec 3. This event featured 4 performances in the 8-12 year old category. In the photo at left Rachel accepts the 1st place award from judge Emily Gilbert for her ballet dance. The event also featured special performances by Emily and Maria Vasquez-Benson and by Awakening, a dance group from the Christina Performing Arts Center.

The event also featured the Sterling Music Exchange's new BOSE sound system which was purchased with donations. VIP's in attendance included State Rep. Lewis Evangelidis and Sterling Selectman Richard Sheppard who stopped by to say a few words to the crowd.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Sterling Academy of Gymnastics for their donation to the BOSE system as well as to the SME volunteers pictured in the photo. Standing next to Pete are Lauren Beaver, Kerstin Sutter and Amanda Clark

Attitudes Salon - Dec 2

SME performed at Attitudes Salon in Sterling which provided goodies and music to towns folk on the Sterling Women's Club Xmas Home Tour.

This was a great event with lots of music, good food, plenty of laughs and alot of participation by Attitudes staff and customers.

SME musicians also performed at the Cider Mill in Sterling which was another stop on this Xmas Home Tour.

Two customers at Attitudes Salon, Carmen and Mike, joined in and sang with SME musicians Jim Hatch, John Weeks and Pete. In the photo below from left to right is Mike, Carmen, Pete, John and Jim. This entire group or roaming musicians serenaded customers in the Sterling Deli and Dunkin Donuts as well as Attitudes.
A big thank you to Rose and Tom Blair for opening their Salon to all the participants on the Xmas house tour.